Foodie Adventure Japan

Nakameguro is a trendy neighborhood just next to swanky Daikanyama. It’s a great place to just take a stroll, either along the Meguro River or through its small streets lined with cafes & shops.

I always feel a bit of imposter syndrome when I go, pretending that I’m much more sophisticated and fancy than I really am.It is also home to some of my favorite places to eat in the city.

Below are my top 3 (in no particular order).

Premarche Gelateria

〒153-0051 Tokyo, Meguro City, Kamimeguro, 2 Chome−9−36 目黒銀座ビル1F

Closest station: Nakameguro (Hibiya & Tokyu Toyoko lines)

I discovered this gelato place a few weeks ago and cannot stop going back.

It has dozens of vegan flavors that are not just your typical sorbet—it seems like well over half of the 40+ flavors are vegan. Many of them are unique, with flavors like baked sweet potato, white miso, and kabocha. They also serve up classics like vanilla, chocolate, or pistachio for the traditionalists. 

I love that you can try the flavors first, especially since it isn’t the cheapest dessert (two scoops costs about ¥700).

They also don’t use any refined sugar and instead use beet, brown, fruit sugar, etc. so you don’t feel as guilty loading up on sweets.

Alaska Zwei 

2 Chome-5-7 Higashiyama, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0043

Closest station: Nakameguro (Hibiya & Tokyu Toyoko lines) or Ikejiri-Ohashi (Den-en-toshi line)

Alaska Zwei is just the homiest, coziest café. The staff are so welcoming and friendly, you feel at home the moment you step in.

100% vegan, they make a variety of baked goods like bagels, focaccia, and muffins in-house every day. For bigger meals, they serve up curry, vegan fried chicken (karaage), soup, banh mi, and more.

It also seems like a great place to get work done—I can totally imagine myself taking my laptop there and working for a few hours while sipping on a warm latte. 

Seirinkan 

2 Chome-6-4 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051

Closest station: Nakameguro (Hibiya & Tokyu Toyoko lines)

This place does not self-identify as vegan or vegan-friendly, but it’s worth a mention in a Nakameguro food post.

Many even argue that this is the best pizza in the city. 

The atmosphere is quite unique compared to other pizza places in Tokyo—it’s got a rustic, industrial vibe with exposed pipes and metal décor. The first floor is the kitchen, so as you enter you are immediately led up a spiral staircase to your seat on either the 2nd or 3rd floor. I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for spiral staircases.

There are two options for pizza—marinara and margherita. Thus, you will see many people around you accidentally eating vegan pizza for dinner. It makes me smile.

The crust is perfectly chewy &airy, and the toppings of tomato sauce, garlic, basil, and oregano are simple but high-quality. 

My only complaint is that the appetizers are a bit too pricey for what they are; a small plate of steamed broccoli will cost you ¥1600. I am not sure what broccoli they are buying that merits that sort of price tag, but it better be organic-non-GMO-cancer-curing broccoli. 

After you’ve finished your pizza, go around the corner to Premarche Gelateria for dessert! It’s just a couple minutes’ walk away, making it for the perfect combo for an Italian-themed date night. 

So, there you have it, my top 3 places for vegan eats in Nakameguro. Let me know in the comments if you’ve gone to any of these places and what your thoughts are!

I’d also love to know if I missed any great spots in the area that I should try next.